Orlando, Fl. (BN24) – Lionel Messi once again proved unstoppable, scoring twice and assisting twice to lead Inter Miami past Nashville SC 4-0 on Saturday night in Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The dominant victory propelled Inter Miami into the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals, just three wins away from lifting the MLS Cup.
Messi scored both first-half goals before setting up Tadeo Allende for a rapid-fire brace in the second half that sealed the win. The Argentine star was involved in all eight of Inter Miami’s goals during the three-game series, netting five and assisting on three as the club outscored Nashville 8-3 overall.
The third-seeded Herons will now travel to face FC Cincinnati in the East semifinals on Nov. 22 or 23. The matchup will be a single-elimination contest, marking a shift from the best-of-three opening round format. Cincinnati, the top seed, went 1-0-1 against Inter Miami this season, including a 3-0 home win on July 16 when Messi was in the lineup and a scoreless draw on July 26.
Messi, the frontrunner to win his second consecutive MLS MVP award, continues to make history. If he repeats, he would become the league’s first back-to-back MVP. The 37-year-old also captured the MLS Golden Boot as top scorer this season and recently finalized a three-year contract extension that keeps him with Inter Miami through 2028. His current form suggests he is peaking at the ideal moment for Miami’s playoff push.
This marks Inter Miami’s deepest postseason run since joining Major League Soccer. The team’s predecessor, the Miami Fusion, reached the league semifinals in 2001 before folding. For Messi and Miami, this playoff campaign is both historic and redemptive — a year after being knocked out in Round 1 by Atlanta, the Herons are surging forward behind their captain’s brilliance.
Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a precise strike from the top of the penalty area, despite being surrounded by four defenders. His second goal came in the 39th minute after Mateo Silvetti broke through the defense and set him up for an easy finish into an empty net.
Although Nashville briefly appeared to have reduced the deficit early in the second half, Sam Surridge’s goal was disallowed due to a foul in the buildup. Minutes later, Messi orchestrated two quick assists for Allende, whose double in the 68th and 71st minutes put the game out of reach.
Inter Miami is now 19-2-3 this season when scoring at least twice — a testament to the offensive power Messi has brought to the team. The Herons’ semifinal winner will advance to face either top-seeded Philadelphia Union or fifth-seeded New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final. The MLS Cup final is set for December 6, and if Inter Miami advances, it could host the championship match.
